Bast, or Bastet, was originally a lion headed goddess. She was a daughter of the sun god and a national deity of protection. She became tamer as a cat woman, sometimes with a lion decorating her breastplate as a reminder of her former, wilder self. She was the Egyptian goddess of joy, music, celebration, dancing, and pleasure. To take part in a celebration at her temple in Bubastis, ensured the mental and physical health of the participants.

Honoring live domesticated cats was also important to Bast's followers.A vast cat cemetery has been uncovered in Bubastis. Mummifying one's pet was considered homage to this playful, free spirited goddess.

Bast ~ cat goddess, protector of women

Bastet - "Devouring Lady" (from bas, to devour, with feminine ending)

The Egyptians’ word for cat is “mau.” This word, so closely related to their word for light and mother, shows how highly they revered them. The cat is both a lunar and a solar animal, representing the sun’s power reflected in nature. Bastet is fiercely independent like a cat, and belongs only to herself. Being an earth animal, she is also an earth mother goddess. She is a giver of life and abundance and, embodying a cat’s gentler aspects, she personifies life and fruitfulness. Her wild instinctual nature provides protection for women during childbirth. She is the quintessential life-affirming mother, reminding us to relax and be playful like a cat and to find occasions to celebrate life. This “joyful goddess” held elaborate festivals in Babustis, which were well known for their joyful dancing.Other names: Bastet, Bast, Bastis, "the Tearer" Bubastis Greek versionPacht, Pasht Pasch Ubast, Ubasti Ba en Aset : the soul of Aset (Isis) Other titles Bast was given with time were "Lady of the East", "the Light Bearer", "Lady of Truth" and "Goddess of the Birth Chamber". The goddess Bastet was usually represented as a woman with the head of a cat. However, up until 1000 BC she was portrayed as a lioness. Bastet was strictly a solar deity until the arrival of Greek influence on Egyptian society, when she became a lunar goddess due to the Greeks associating her with their Artemis. Bastet was the daughter of Ra, the sun god, a designation that placed her in the same ranks as such goddesses as Maat and Tefnut. Additionally, Bastet was one of the "Eyes of Ra", the title of an "avenger" god who is sent out specifically to lay waste to the enemies of Egypt and her gods. It may have been through him that she acquired her feline characteristics. When Ra destroyed his enemy Apep, he was usually depicted as a cat. As portrayed as a cat, she was connected with the moon (her son Khonsu was the god of the moon). When shown as a lioness, she is associated with sunlight. She was the goddess of many things including fire, cats, dance, sex, music, and good luck. According to one myth, she was the personification of the soul of Isis. She was also called the "Lady of the East". As such, her counterpart as "Lady of the West" was Sekhmet. Bastet seemed to have two sides to her personality, docile and aggressive. Her docile and gentle side was displayed in her duties as a protector of the home, and pregnant women. Her aggressive and vicious nature was exposed in the accounts of battles in which the pharaoh was said to have slaughtered the enemy as Bastet slaughtered her victims. The cult of Bastet was centered in Bubastis (located in the delta region, near modern-day Zagazig) from at least the 4th Dynasty. In the Late Period, Bubastis was the capital of Egypt for a dynasty, and a few kings took her name into their royal titles. Bubastis was made famous by the traveler Herodotus in the 4th century BC, when he described in his annals one of the festivals that takes place in honor of Bastet. Excavations in the ruins of Tell-Basta (the former Bubastis) have yielded many discoveries, including a graveyard with mummified holy cats. Because the Greeks equated Bastet with Diana and Artemis and Horus with Apollo, Bastet became adopted into the Osiris-Isis myth as their daughter (this association, however, was never made previous to the arrival of Hellenistic influence on Egypt). She is stated to be the mother of the lion-headed god Mihos (who was also worshipped in Bubastis, along with Thoth). She is depicted most commonly as a woman with the head of a domesticated or wild cat or lion, or as a cat itself. Also known as Bastet / Pasht (in her dark aspect), the cat-headed goddess ... wife of Ptah. She's identified with Artemis or Diana. She is the gentle head of the sun, the Lady of the East. Cats were sacred to her and embalmed when they died.

Her signs and symbols:In addition to her major symbol, the sistrum, Bast was also allotted one of the Divine Eyes in the form of the Uraeus, or Serpent of Wisdom. According to the one version, she acquired this from her brother Horus, but the popular belief was that she was given charge of it by Ra for defending him against Apep. Although the Uraeus is considered to be the right Eye and the Horus Eye the left, there is obviously some confusion here as Eyes were depicted under the Horus banner facing either way, which rather suggests that the ancient Egyptians themselves were, perhaps, a little unsure as to which was which.

In art Images of Bast portray her with a sistrum (ancient Egyptian percussion instrument) in her right hand, and a small bag over her left arm, with figurines of kittens surrounding her feet. Such images are among the most naturalistic works of ancient Egyptian.

Symbols: cat, lioness, sistra (especially later periods), Udjat-eye. Offerings:Thousands of small cat sculptures, probably left with offerings to the Temple by devotees, have also been recovered at Bubastis. Sweet liquids and foodstuffs, mint, catnip, honey, raw meat, perfumes and ointments (especially in the "bas" jars which are a pun on Her name). Never offered: Cats (The penality for killing a cat was death)

Cats were sacred animals to the ancient Egyptians. If a household's cat died, the members of the family shaved their eyebrows off in mourning.

Suggestions for Honoring Bast Today:

If you have a cat in your life, pamper it on Bast's Day (11th May). Include your cat as a magical partner in spellcraft. You can burn your cat's shed/discarded whiskers to Bast in return for a wish.

To make an incense to honor Bast, grind together 4 parts frankincense, 3 parts acacia wood (or gum arabic), 2 parts myrrh, 1 part dried catnip, 1 part cedar wood, 1 part cinnamon, 1/2 part juniper (wood or berries). Burn safely on self-igniting charcoal in a flame-proof bowl. Use common sense and follow safety precautions. This incense is popularly called "Bast's Breath."

To magically invoke Bast's protection upon your cat -Burn sweet incense. Offer the goddess a tiger's eye stone, or a scarab stone, or an ankh, as well as a pinch of catnip. Light a white candle. Close your eyes and visualize the goddess entering your sacred space. With your cat in your lap (or if you have several, then in the same room with you), chant the following:

O Bast, I pray thee heed my call,Lady of cats both large and small;I beg you bless my friend(s) so dear,Protect from harm, both far and near.Turn aside all ill intent, all evil with your claws be rent.All discord, turmoil and alarm, be disrupted - do no harm.O Bast, accept my offering, pray,And bless my friend(s) on every day.

charonnesondi's Interests

Rules I live by:

Interests & Hobbies:

Wicca is a nature-based religion, a modern spinoff of the pre-Christian pagan traditions in Europe. There is a God and Goddess, though there is no Wiccan Bible, no central governing authority, and the religion claims no dogma. But Wiccans cite the Wiccan Rede, a poem from which is extracted their central ..

""If it harms none, do what you will.""

WICCA sometimes called Wicce, Witchcraft, The Craft, or The Old Religion by its practitioners) represents an ancient religion of love for life and nature. Wicca is easily one of the most irrepressible religions in the world because it stimulates the intellect, promotes a simple, practical way of life and, most importantly, is emotionally satisfying. Our religion celebrates the Wiccan sabbats, which mark the seasons. A Witch, in coven or alone, uses magick and herbs to bend time and matter in order to achieve psychic and spiritual satisfaction. Witches do not worship the Devil. Witchcraft predates Christianity and does not incorporate a belief in the Christian Devil.

Pentacle or pentagram?The terms pentacle and pentagram are often used interchangeably, but most Wiccans say they are somewhat different. A pentagram is simply a five-pointed star, while a pentacle surrounds the star with a circle.Both pentacles and pentagrams are ancient symbols that have been used by many different religions, including Christianity and Judaism. Wiccans trace their use of the symbols back to the ancient Celts, whose earth-based religion serves as a model for many modern pagan groups.Many people mistakenly associate the pentacle with Satanism. In fact, Satanists generally use an upside-down pentacle, often with a goat’’s head in the center.

Both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc.--and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment

History of Goth

Modern goth (ignoring where the name itself originally comes from) started in the early 80's as part of the punk subculture (which is itself was a rejection of most societal values, and anything considered part of the 'norm'). The phrase was coined by the band manager of Joy Division, Anthony H. Wilson, who described the band as 'Gothic compared with the pop mainstream'. The term stuck, and as punk eventually died, Goth survived and became its own subculture. The punk clothing and hairstyles mellowed, and the core 'rejection of society' attitude alone lived on in the gothic subculture. Over time this itself has been modified to be more of a 'no more blind acceptance of society's values' as opposed to rejection because it was there to be rejected (and because you could get away with it!).

Movies such as The Crow, and bands such as the Bauhaus helped establish the gothic image as dark, depressing, and even evil. As more and more 'dark' movies came out, numbers in the gothic subculture expanded, and there is now a gothic community in almost every major city around the world, and quite a number of towns have their own representative contingent. Nowdays there are more goth bands around than ever, and it has turned from an 80's phenomenon into a 90's way of life for many people. Unlike the punk subculture that it spawned from, there even exists a class of mature goths, still following the scene around even past their 20's and into their 30's and beyond.

-- Prez

Goths are usually misunderstood to say the least. Some people call us "Freaks," "Dead," "Vampyres," "Weirdoes," "Satanists," "Poseurs," and other remarks. Night might be their favorite time of the entire day, but it doesn't mean that we think that they are dead or that sunlight will make them melt. They are people made

of flesh and blood, they just desire the darker side of life more.

*~Vanity is important to many Gothic people also. They like to take pride in how they present ourselves to society. Pale faces, bloody red or black

(and sometimes even white) lipstick, black eyeliner, and dark eye shadow are very commonly used and seen.

Goth isn't one thing in particular. It is a combination of different elements. Goth CAN be (but is not always) in the way you present yourself, the way you feel about yourself and the people around you, the way you accept certain things that come to you in life, and the way that you deal with everything.

Favorite People You Know:

The way that you think is also important. Goths don't always think that the world is going to end or that they are going to die right this second. However, Goths do tend to have rather dark thoughts.

Some people confuse Glam with Goth. Glam and Goth are two different things (even though there are some people who are "Glam Goths" also referred to as "Glitter-Goths"). Glam is actually more of a style or an attitude, while Gothic is different things.

Favorite Celebrities:

There is not one type of Goth. Not every Goth is depressed; there are "happy-Goths" which are sometimes called "Githies" (which is a Goth-hippie.) There are however, some depressed Goths which are sometimes referred to as "mopey-Goths" or "normal-Goths." There are "Industrial Goths," that dress industrial-like (which is relatively self-explanatory).

Not all Goths are of the same religion. Just as anyone else, they believe in various things. Just because the movies and media like to portray all Goths as Satanists or Wiccans does not mean that every single one of them are just that.

Just because someone is Gothic, that doesn't mean that they won't smile or laugh. Goths are very well known for making sarcastic jokes. Sometimes GOTHS can be the most humorous type of people.

Modern Goth DID emerge from Punk, but not all Goths are still Punk. There are actually some "Goth-punks." Sometimes bands that are Punk will present themselves in a Gothic manner, versus a band that claims to have elements of "Goth".

Favorite Reads:

There are "Weekend Gothers" that only dress Gothic on the weekends (hence the name).

~*~Embrace the night.~*~

Goths are not pretentious, They are just souls trying to make something out of this "life". They do not all want to die, some of them just accept that death is only the beginning and it could quite possibly be the best part of life.

Wicca is a religion defined to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's that represents the ancient ways of love for life and the inherent energy

and spirit in all living and natural things. It is a hodge-podge combination of many old paths of Witchcraft refined and combined to form a new-age theology where the life and power of nature is worshipped, revered, and utilized in daily life. Wiccans usually practice their faith on the 13 full moons, or esbats, and also at the eight festivals, or sabbats although major workings are always held on the esbats. They assemble, some alone, some in coven, and practice their ritual in confined protective space, usually by opening a magickal circle and working within. This creates a pure sacred space and is the foundation of most pagan rituals. Inside this circle, Wiccans invoke the God and Goddess, the aspects and energies of all male and female natural things respectively. Using this empowerment they bend time and will to benefit, not harm, themselves and others. Many techniques are used to heal people and animals, seek guidance with divination, or improve their lives in various ways. Positive goals are sought and anything that bends the will of another, whether by binding, love spells, or manipulation magick are repugnant to practitioners of the Old Religion. It is condemned and considered to bring one's self the same harm or loss of will by three fold. As such, most ritual by those using Wicca, is a white and positive thing even during a waning moon where banishment or protection spells utilize a darker magick, but for a positive purpose.

Are Wiccans Evil? - Most outsiders seem to think a witch or Wiccan or anybody believing in any form of Witchcraft is inherently 'evil'. Even Walt Disney's depiction in Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and other films such as The Wizard of Oz force feed the public a view of a very bad or 'wicked witch'. In reality, Wicca has no belief system in 'good' or 'evil', but once again, negative forms of magick are intolerable and condemned by ourselves. Often those who do not understand our ways associate us with Satan, or the Christian devil. In truth, Wicca and other forms of Witchcraft predate Christianity and have nothing to do with evil or aspects of the Christian devil. This image often haunts us in the public eye, but could be no further from the truth. Wicca is a beautiful, satisfyingly natural way of life worshipping life and the love of nature and its power in all living things. If more people understood us, we would face much less persecution and intolerance.

An it harm none, do as ye will - is the single most important principle to the Wiccan faith. Will is a difficult thing to control but so long as noone is harmed by one's workings (including one's self), then it is accepted and condoned no matter all else. Wicca believes in a loose set of rules and follows a rede that culminates in 'An it harm none, do as ye will' and follows other loose beliefs such as 'The Threefold law', which means whatever we create or exude, comes back to us times three. Good begets good, and bad begets bad. It is a basic, simple foundation for this type of Witchcraft.

Can a witch also be Christian? - Goodness no! This is a preposterous notion that some cling to. Not only does it offend both faiths, it simply is unworkable. Why? Wicca is an earth-based polytheistic path. Meaning it worships divinity in all living things equally and inherently. Christianity is a monotheistic path. Meaning it holds divinity in Godhead alone. Not only this but Judeo-Christianity incorporates concepts such as original sin, vicarious atonement, bodily resurrection ... all nonsense to Wicca, and on the other hand Wicca believes in divinity in everything living and natural, karmic laws, and reincarnation, all abhorrent to Christianity and according to the Christian bible, will send one into the gates of hell itself. The idea of a Christian Wiccan would be like saying one is a Christian Jew. Its impossible to believe in such contradicting religions at the same time.

So what is a Witch? - A Witch above all worships the Triple Goddess and her Consort, The Horned God, in one form or another. These represent the dark and light in the year, as well as the feminine and masculine properties of all things natural. A Witch works Magick within a definite code of ethics creating sacred space and working within. A Witch acknowledges and uses the male-female polarity in his/her rites. A Witch takes total responsibility for his/her actions, his/herself, and his/her future. A Witch believes that death is not an ending of existence, but a step in the on-going process of life. A Witch believes that each person's faith is their own and does not work to seek converts. A Witch holds the power of and within nature, and utilizes that empowerment to bend time and matter in order to achieve psychic and spiritual satisfaction. A Witch is all these things and much more. Don't like them? Don't believe in what they believe in? Do your own spirit and karma a favor and at least respect them.

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-06-04

Just stopped by to say Hello. I have been gone a while but I am back so I am taking some time to say Hi to all my friends. Hope you have a great weekend. TGIF.
RubenSr
Posted by: rubenpenasr 2007-06-01

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-05-21

Go with me to the final frontier, Friendship an amazing territory.
Check out my last to faces in the Exposition album.
and share something of your life.

I will vote for you, would you vote for me?
Posted by: luigicorvette 2007-05-16

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-05-08

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-04-29

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-04-24

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-04-20

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-04-15

Open the door
At times we must let go
of the barriers that hold us,
reach out of the box were we live,
and walk freely.
Friendship has no color,
sex orientation,
no money requirements,
no abilities in comun,
be just free to give and receive.

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-03-25

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-03-19

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-03-17

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-03-13

These picturers are just so beautiful, They are always so joyous to look upon.
Have a wonderful weekend. Big Waves from Arizona
Trying to get caught up ...SIerra
Posted by: sierrascreations 2007-03-09

Oh My! What glorious photoes you send! Hope your days are good, have not been available of late. Now I am trying to catch up. Thank You for all of the beautiful picturers. Big Waves from Arizona, Sierra
Posted by: sierrascreations 2007-03-09

These graphics never cease to amaze me. They are absolutely awesome. Thank you and YES...I will pass them along. Have a beautiful day, Girlfriend. Dee
Posted by: bigibbens 2007-02-28

This comment was posted by a member who has since been deleted either by self-delete or because of spamming or posting inappropriate content.

Log into the members area to delete this comment.
Posted by: <No longer exists> 2007-02-22